Practice Essentials

The term congenital dislocation of the hip dates back to the time of Hippocrates. This condition, also known as hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), has been diagnosed and treated for several hundred years. Most notably, Ortolani, an Italian pediatrician in the early 1900s, evaluated, diagnosed, and began treating hip dysplasia. Galeazzi later reviewed more than 12,000 cases of DDH and reported the association between apparent shortening of the flexed femur and hip dislocation. Since then, significant progress has been made in the evaluation and treatment of DDH.^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}

The definition of DDH is not universally agreed upon. Typically, the term DDH is used in referring to patients who are born with dislocation or instability of the hip, which may then result in hip dysplasia.^[6]More broadly, DDH may be defined simply as abnormal growth of the hip. Abnormal development of the hip includes the osseous structures, such as the acetabulum and the proximal femur, as well as the labrum, capsule, and other soft tissues. This condition may occur at any time, from conception to skeletal maturity. The author prefers to use the term hip dysplasia, considering it both simpler and more accurate. Internationally, this disorder is still referred to as congenital dislocation of the hip.

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Media Gallery

Galeazzi sign is classic identifier of unilateral hip dislocation. Patient lies supine, with hips and knees flexed. Examination should demonstrate that one leg appears shorter than other. Although this appearance is usually due to hip dislocation, it is important to realize that any limb-length discrepancy results in positive Galeazzi sign.
Typical radiographic evaluation of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). From anteroposterior radiograph of hips, horizontal line (Hilgenreiner line) is drawn between each triradiate cartilage. Next, lines are drawn perpendicular to Hilgenreiner line through superolateral edge of acetabulum (Perkin line), dividing hip into 4 quadrants. Proximal medial femur should be in lower medial quadrant, or ossific nucleus of femoral head, if present (usually observed in patients aged 4-7 months), should be in lower medial quadrant. Acetabular index is angle between Hilgenreiner line and line drawn from triradiate cartilage to lateral edge of acetabulum. Typically, this angle decreases with age and should measure less than 20° by 2 years of age. Shenton line is drawn from medial aspect of femoral neck to inferior border of pubic rami. It should create smooth arc that is not disrupted. Disruption of Shenton line indicates presence of some degree of hip subluxation.
Radiographs from 6-year-old child who underwent open reduction with capsular plication, femoral shortening, and pelvic (Pemberton) osteotomy.

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Author

Junichi Tamai, MD Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Director of Physician Assistants, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery Affiliated, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Junichi Tamai, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Cincinnati Pediatric Society

Disclosure: Received honoraria from Oakstone Board Review for speaking and teaching.

Coauthor(s)

James J McCarthy, MD, FAAOS, FAAP Director, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

James J McCarthy, MD, FAAOS, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Orthopaedic Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Philadelphia County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Orthopaedics Overseas, Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society, Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Orthopediatrics, Phillips Healthcare, POSNA<br/>Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Synthes<br/>Received research grant from: University of Cincinnati<br/>Received royalty from Lippincott Williams and WIcins for editing textbook; Received none from POSNA for board membership; Received none from LLRS for board membership; Received consulting fee from Synthes for none.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

B Sonny Bal, JD, MD, PhD, MBA Medical Director, Orthopaedic Surgery, CVS-Aetna

B Sonny Bal, JD, MD, PhD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William L Jaffe, MD Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine; Vice Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases

William L Jaffe, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, Eastern Orthopaedic Association, New York Academy of Medicine

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Stryker Orthopaedics for speaking and teaching.

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